Systemic Safety Improvements for Aircraft Carrier Launch Operations

During the preparation to launch aircraft from a carrier, deck crews must work very close to the aircraft to complete their tasks. The area near the aircraft presents a number of dangers, especially for modern aircraft such as the Joint Strike Fighter, which has very powerful engines and extremely high noise levels. Creare proposes to improve safety in the launch operations area by developing systemic improvements for aircraft carrier launch operations personnel. Our goal is to develop technologies and procedural changes which can assist these personnel or move them out of the danger area. During Phase I, we thoroughly evaluated the launch process and developed devices, methods, and procedures which can accomplish these goals. During Phase II we will refine the designs and test these systems in both land-based and realistic shipboard environments.